Toccoa Police Chief Urges Caution on Roads During Holiday

Law enforcement agencies are asking motorists that are on the roads today or this weekend to drive safely.

Toccoa Police Chief Tim Jarrell said that his department and agencies throughout the area and state want to help reduce the number of crashes and fatalities this holiday on Georgia’s roads.

“Last year, law enforcement agencies investigated over 3,500 accidents that resulted in over 1,100 injuries and 21 fatalities,” said Jarrell. “This year, we would like to ask motorists to assist us as law enforcement to reduce those numbers.”

Jarrell said his office will work with other local and state agencies to patrol the highways this weekend.

He said for motorists heading out, there are a number of important things to keep in mind.

“For the holiday weekend, the police department would like to remind motorists this year to drive carefully, drive the speed limit, make sure children are properly restrained in the vehicle, make sure everyone is wearing seatbelts, plan your route, make sure you leave plenty of time to reach your destination, and always be aware of your surroundings and other motorists,” said Jarrell.

Authorities will also be on the lookout for those driving under the influence.

Jarrell said that if you are planning to drink, do not drive.

“If you are going to consume an alcoholic beverage, make sure you have a designated driver,” said Jarrell. “Do not take a risk. Do not take a chance. It is better to have a designated driver even with one drink.”

The official Georgia State Patrol Thanksgiving holiday travel period began at 6 p.m. Wednesday and continues through midnight Sunday.

The highest number of traffic deaths ever recorded for the Thanksgiving holiday period was 43 in 1969. The lowest was 4 in 1949.

Officials with the Georgia State Patrol said the Thanksgiving holiday period is also an Operation C.A.R.E. holiday.

That stands for Combined Accident Reduction Effort and the Georgia State Patrol said the operation’s goal is bring law enforcement officers together around the country in an effort to reduce the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities on highways through educational outreach and high visibility enforcement.

Also, remember that the Georgia Department of Transportation has suspended construction-related lane closures on interstates and major state routes in the state through 9 p.m. Sunday.